These findings imply that gap junction electrical coupling aids in the coordinated suppression of islet [Ca2+] and insulin release caused by mutations in KCNJ11 and ABCC8. Thus a reduction of gap junction coupling in the islet may recover islet function and blunt diabetes caused by mutations in KCNJ11 and ABCC8. The gene discussed is KCNJ11; the disease is diabetes mellitus.